DHS uses FEMA buildings for makeshift immigration courts

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun using federal office buildings, including FEMA headquarters, to host makeshift immigration courts. According to the American Immigration Lawyers Association, these pop-up courts in Washington, D.C., and Manhattan operate via Zoom video, with judges deciding cases remotely.

Reports indicate that these locations lack signage identifying them as immigration courts and are currently closed to the public and attorneys, which may violate existing policies regarding courtroom accessibility. While the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review administers the hearings, DHS stated that using the FEMA Headquarters Conference Center for “critical operations” does not disrupt normal FEMA activities or divert its personnel.

Additional locations for these remote court operations are reportedly being considered in Chicago, Miami, Denver, San Antonio, and Los Angeles. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) reported being denied access to the D.C. FEMA building during a congressional oversight attempt on September 23.